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Mixed Methods Research and Social Inclusion

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Handbook of Social Inclusion

Abstract

Mixed methods research (MMR) has emerged in the last several decades as a genus of inquiry that systematically connects and integrates quantitative and qualitative methods. Combining the breadth offered by quantitative research with the depth engendered from qualitative inquiry, the diffuse and cross-disciplinary phenomenon of social inclusion can be understood, explored, and applied toward change efforts. This chapter explores MMR as a means and ends to socially inclusive inquiry, drawing ties to the broader discourse on inclusive, decolonizing research. MMR is discussed in the context of looming conversations on philosophical positions (e.g., post-positivism, constructivism, transformative, and pragmatism). From there, the reader is oriented to major approaches to MMR, each contextualized by examples of research on social inclusion conducted through a mixed methods trajectory. The chapter concludes with recommendations on how to get started in MMR.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Graduate Psychology, Center for Faculty Innovation, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA, USA

    Cara Meixner

  2. Department of Statistics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA

    Dan J. Spitzner

Authors
  1. Cara Meixner
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  2. Dan J. Spitzner
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Correspondence to Cara Meixner .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Health Sciences, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia

    Pranee Liamputtong

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Meixner, C., Spitzner, D.J. (2021). Mixed Methods Research and Social Inclusion. In: Liamputtong, P. (eds) Handbook of Social Inclusion. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-48277-0_19-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-48277-0_19-1

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  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-48277-0

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